I'm in like skinny jeans and platform heels! Expect many posts on time and financial management!

I need to do more, be more, give more!

• Let me preface this by saying...I works HARD!!! I am OVER extended at work and currently attempting to lock down at least 2 more commitments outside of work that will be NO JOKE. That being said, I know that anyone with good sense would wonder why I would ever want to take on more responsibility. What can I say...I'm driven. I like my job, but being socially and civic-ly active are things that actually bring a smile to my face.

• Soooo...the question is...what should I do? I really would like to get involved with the Jr. Board of organizations that I support and believe in (horrible grammar, I know). My 1st choice is the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. I've supported a number of their events in the past, and it addresses an issue that I think needs attention and action. Additionally, I would love to be actively involved with the ETA. I love the arts, and ETA is a African American founded and produced theater company. Their shows are of GREAT quality, and very under supported for the great work that they do.

• However if these don't work out, then what else do you all suggest? Does anyone know much about the Junior League? I've heard of it many times, but I don't know anyone personally involved. Another popular group is the Chicago Urban League's Metro Board...but I don't know if they are really impactful, as much as...popular.

• What else are you involved with, both civic-ly, as well as in the arts?

On the Road Again...

That's right, your girl is back in travel mode...at least for the next 3 weeks. My hotel is pretty swanky, but there is no lap pool...and the internet connection is too weak to support my yoga webcasts. As a result, I am back to the 'old school' gym workouts. Treadmill, Elliptical, Weight Training, Squats, Lunges, Crunches, etc. Honestly, it's not all bad. The thing is...even though I've had GREAT success w/losing weight by swimming and doing yoga, the more traditional exercise route makes you 'feel' like your working out and losing weight. I've kinda missed that feeling of accomplishment...though I can't wait to get back into the pool.

Now that being said...I can see now that I'm on the verge of running out of things to do. I was really stretching to remember the moves that I used to incorporate back in the day. Here are a couple of refresher moves to help us all...

For Women

For Men

Busy! Busy! Busy!

My bad, readers. Your girl has been BUSY. I'm trying to amp my game up at work...applying to grad school...trying to have a personal life, and still stay sane. VERY ROUGH! Needless to say, the blog has been put on the back burner in a serious way. While my personal workout regimen hasn't been hampered...my healthy eating absolutely has. I haven't even thought about stepping on a scale, but my pants are telling me that your girl is packing on the pounds. FAIL! Temporary fail, but fail nonetheless. Incidentally, I've been looking to step up my cooking game...sure I've said that for years, but I really mean it every time...and there is no better time than the present to start preparing meals in a tasty, yet healthy, manner. Here is a full day worth of meals from www.foodnetwork.com.

Apple Pancakes

Chicken Piccata w/Pasta and Mushrooms

Veggie Paella

I'm gonna try these...hopefully we have success!